Admit it, roller coasters terrify you just a bit – or maybe a lot. But there’s no need to wear your “scaredy cat” badge just yet! We’re breaking down some of Universal Orlando Resort’s most exhilarating rides so you can make an informed decision as to whether or not you want to give it a go. First up is Jurassic World VelociCoaster, located in Universal Islands of Adventure. This guide is for everyone, so let’s kick things off with the basics!
Jurassic World VelociCoaster Height Requirements
Before you gear up for Jurassic World VelociCoaster, make sure you and your fellow riders meet the height requirement: you need to be at least 51 inches tall to experience this attraction.
Jurassic World VelociCoaster Story
The story of VelociCoaster is that you are joining Owen Grady and Claire Dearing on a test training run for the four Velociraptors at Jurassic World: Echo, Charlie, Delta, and Blue. Set before the events of the first Jurassic World movie, this adventure unfolds as Claire has devised this ride as an attraction through the raptor paddock since the Indominus Rex exhibit has been delayed. Before the ride begins, you’ll even have the chance to “meet” these incredible raptors. Don’t worry – they’re contained!
Jurassic World VelociCoaster Ride Vehicle
As you step onto the ride, you’ll be seated side-by-side with a friend, securely fastened with a lap bar that snugly fits across your lap. There’s not a shoulder harness on this attraction, just the lap bar to ensure you’re safely in place.
If you’re feeling a bit nervous, why not give the test seat a try? It’s conveniently located near the attraction’s entrance. This is a fantastic way to familiarize yourself with the seating before the ride begins, helping you feel more confident and ready to enjoy the adventure!
Jurassic World VelociCoaster Ride Experience
Before we dive into all the details, take a front-row ride on the Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal Orlando Resort with this POV video:
Speed
Jurassic World VelociCoaster is a launch ride, designed to accelerate quickly not just once, but twice! For those a bit nervous about high speeds, here’s what to expect: The first launch zips you to the ride’s peak speed of 70 mph in a swift 2.4 seconds, while the second boosts you to 50 mph just before the top hat – a high point that offers a brief moment to brace yourself before a thrilling descent at an 80-degree angle into an exciting inversion. We’ll get into the details of the barrel roll shortly – a swift maneuver at 50 mph that adds to the excitement.
Jurassic World VelociCoaster is the fastest ride at Universal Orlando at its top speed of 70 mph, and it does not slow down until the very end. That said, it also perhaps has the smoothest ride of all of the coasters in the parks. For those looking to ease into the thrill, consider choosing a seat towards the front of the ride train; it’s less intense than the back and offers stunning views of the park and a mesmerizing glance through the raptor paddock as you soar by.
Direction
Hold onto your hats because Jurassic World VelociCoaster is about to take you on a wild ride with not one but four total inversions that will literally turn your world upside down! If the thought of being upside down makes you a bit anxious, knowing what to expect can help. One of the standout features is a breathtaking 360-degree barrel roll that swoops just feet above the surface of the Islands of Adventure lagoon.
Get ready for the inverted stall – a heart-pounding moment where you’ll flip upside down and experience a feeling of weightlessness while gliding along 100 feet of inverted track. And just when you think you’ve got a handle on things, remember, the track is a maze of excitement, crossing over and under itself 40 times, adding to the thrill with every twist and turn.
As we touched on earlier, Jurassic World VelociCoaster offers some truly unique experiences, including those exhilarating moments of weightlessness during its inversions. It’s a gentle, floating feeling, almost as if you’re soaring through the sky. This feeling of weightlessness is a key part of what makes this ride so thrilling – yet it’s managed in such a way that it feels more exhilarating than intimidating.
Length
It’s a fast but unforgettable two-minute journey on Jurassic World VelociCoaster, which stretches an impressive 4,700 feet from start to finish. This quick duration is perfect for those who might feel a bit apprehensive – before you know it, you’ll be back in the station, exhilarated and maybe even ready to go again.
Height
The highest point of this coaster is reached during the top hat we mentioned earlier. Here’s how it unfolds: You’ll accelerate to 50 mph before soaring up to a towering height of 155 feet. At the apex, prepare for a heart-pounding 140-foot drop toward the ground at an 80-degree angle.
If you choose not to ride…
If, after reading this guide, you feel the Jurassic World VelociCoaster might be a bit too intense, don’t worry – you can still immerse yourself in the universe of Jurassic World with the Raptor Encounter located just across from the ride. Here, you’ll get to meet a raptor up close and get a great photo too!
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